Need To Add More Protein

I just found out from my doctor today that I need to increase my protein intake and she prefers I use powder for the best results. I have been having problems with my legs swelling. My dilemma is I am running out of ideas on how to add protein powder to my meals, etc. Can anyone share any recipes for protein shakes and/or ways to add protein into your normal food during the day? I have ordered and tried several flavors of powders from various companies, but am growing tired of the normal "add to water" and drink routine. I need variety! I appreciate all your input! Kathy

I assume you've tried the Nectar and Matrix variety of powders?? How about Unjury unflavored that you can add to milk and then throw in a piece of banana for some extra flavor? Jan

Kathy, If you can tolerate milk products, you can add dry skim milk to reg skim milk to make a "fortified" skim milk with higher protein, then you can cook with it or drink it like it is or in shakes.

Kathy, Why are your legs swelling? I experience the same thing, but my butt-head Dr. can't seem to figure out why... I'm now in the process fo changing Drs... Flávia

Flavia- According to my doctor my legs are swelling because I am not getting enough protein and this causes the excess fluid in my body to "leak" out into my legs. I am also trying to increase my water intake as she tells me that is important for things to flow right. Hope all goes well with you and by all means if you are not happy with your doctor, move on! Kat

Kathy- I am pre-op and I do not know all your nutritional requirements but here is something I do for my husband who is a diabetic. He loves Strawberry Quick and has since he was a child. It really hurt when we learned there was no sugar free version. Well I put my thinking cap on and came up with a solution. I take one packet of plain ole strawberry Kool-Aid. You know what I call the nickel pack (guess I am giving away my age) add 1 1/2 cups splenda and blend it in the blender until it is a fine powder. I then store it in a jar with a tight lid. When he wants strawberry milk he adds a heaping teaspoon or so to a glass of milk and instant strawberry milk. You could do this with other Kool-Aid flavors as well. Now I realize this is not adding any protein or nutrients to your diet -- but it may help make the protein more palatable and give you some variety in your flavors. I just imagine you could also throw some powdered milk in the blender -- now that would add nutrition. It is also a good way to make one glass of Kool-Aid at a time. He is also fond of shaved ice. Since you need a real concentrated flavor for that -- Sugar free jello is the trick. Make up some according to directions and instead of allowing it to gel pour the syrupy liquid over the ice. A note of caution. When you mix the Kool-Aid and splenda in the blender -- allow it to sit in the blender with the lid on for awhile to settle -- before putting it in the jar. If you don't you will have a cloud that will turn everything it touches pink!! Let me know if this helps.